“This ballistic missile launch appeared to fly over our territory. It is an unprecedented, serious and grave threat to our nation,” the top government spokesman told reporters.

Japan protests the firing in the strongest terms, Suga said, calling a clear violation of United Nations resolutions. Japan will work closely with the United States, South Korea and other concerned nations to take a timely and appropriate response, he said.

The missile was fired around 5:58 a.m. Japan time (2058 GMT), flew over the northernmost main island of Hokkaido around 6:06 and fell into waters about 1,180 km to the east of Cape Erimo around 6:12, Suga said.